PORT VALE MATCH PREVIEW AND TEAM NEWS

The Brewers go in to Saturday’s game sitting third in the table after Tuesday’s goalless draw with bottom of the table Crewe Alexandra in a pretty exciting game. The Albion didn’t have the rub of the green on the night.

The two sides have met six times since the 2010/11 season.

Burton Albion haven't beat Port Vale in a competitive league match since 2010. The two sides have met eight times in their history.

DARIUS CHARLES is still missing from the match day squad as he recovers from a broken leg. He is training with the team again but a date hasn’t been set for his return.

ZELI ISMAIL should make the bench again as Hasselbaink looks to build the winger’s fitness once again.

CALLUM REILLY is still recovering from a slight groin injury but like Darius Charles, he has started to train with the team over the past couple of weeks.

STUART BEAVON was forced to pull out of Saturday’s squad at short notice as he was injured in the warm-up. He suffered with a calf strain but Hasselbaink confirmed he SHOULD be fit for Saturday.

Don’t be surprised if the starting XI is unchanged from Tuesday’s draw with Crewe Alexandra although Beavon could return to the bench.

Uche Ikpeazu

Uche Ikpeazu is currently on loan from Watford. He spent several loan spells at Crewe Alexandra where he made himself known for his goalscoring. He has scored six goals so far for Port Vale as he leads the way in their top goalscorer list so far.

Born in Harrow, London to Nigerian parents, Ikpeazu joined Reading's Academy in late 2010. He signed for Southern League side Didcot Town on loan in November 2011 and scored twice in three games, including the 3–1 FA Trophy win against Conference Premier side Bromley.

In the 2012–13 season, his final for the under-18s, he scored 28 goals in as many games, finishing as the top scorer in the country at academy level.

STUART BEAVON is still Albion’s leading goalscorer with 5 goals so far this season after claiming the only goal in the game against Rochdale. NASSER EL KHAYATI hasn’t scored for a while and has been struggling with injury recently. He will be looking to get back to scoring ways against Crewe.

UCHE IKPEAZU is Port Vale’s leading goal scorer this season with six goals in all competitions. BYRON MOORE is Vale’s second top goalscorer with three goals so far this season.

Burton Albion (LAST 5 ALL COMPS)
W1, L2, D2
3rd – Sky Bet League One

Port Vale (LAST 5 ALL COMPS)
W1, L3, D1
24th – Sky Bet League One

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink:

It is a separate game for me.

“It is a new game and a new challenge.

“There are 3 points at stake and we start with a clean sheet so it will be another tough one.

“I expect a tough game, a battle.”

Lucas Akins:

“I think they will be a decent side.

“I have come up against Port Vale in the past and I have played with their manager at Huddersfield so I know what he is like in terms of a player and his passion.

“They will pose a few threats.”

Pirelli Stadium,
Princess Way,
Burton on Trent,
DE13 0AR

Parking is available on site on a first come first serve basis for just £3.

Fans are advised to allow a little bit of extra time for their journey as roadworks are ongoing around the Pirelli Stadium.

Cash on the turnstiles is NOT available tomorrow.

ALL FANS MUST PURCHASE A TICKET IN ADVANCE OF THE GAME.

THE TICKET OFFICE WILL CLOSE AT 2.45PM ON SATURDAY SO YOU MUST HAVE A TICKET BEFORE THIS TIME.

Fans will have to pay the match day prices from 5PM on Monday as below:

On The Day Seat Prices:
Adults: £22
Over 65s / Young Persons (17-22 yrs): £20
Under 17s: £12

On The Day Terrace Prices:
Adults: £19
Over 65s / Young Persons (17-22 yrs): £17
Under 17s: £5